Cubs and city to meet again over Wrigley Field expansion

Chicago Cubs officials and aides to Mayor Richard Daley are scheduled to meet on Monday as both sides seek to reach agreement on a proposed Wrigley Field expansion and landmarking of the ballpark.

A freeze on the landmarking process, imposed in the hope of reaching an accord, is scheduled to expire Wednesday.

The Cubs agreed in previous sessions to landmark status for key elements of the ballpark, such as the outfield ivy, but the team wants city permission to add about 2,000 seats to the bleachers.

Under a revamped design, the number of support beams on sidewalks bordering the park has been cut to two, a concession by the team to neighbors who opposed what they said would have been a forest of supports in the original plan.

Meanwhile, Cubs President Andy MacPhail said he is awaiting a new offer from rooftop owners that reportedly would include a licensing agreement under which the owners would compensate the team for use of its product. The owners are seeking an expansion design that would preserve the views of their customers.

The city and the team also have a tentative agreement to allow more night games at Wrigley. Additional games would be phased in over several years.